User Reviews

Overall Rating:

Value Rating:

Submitted by
harris
a AudioPhile

Date Reviewed: July 2, 2014

Bottom Line:

Over the past 20+ years I have owned just about every major brand of AVR (Audio/Video Receiver). I have extensively used high end models from Denon, Onkyo and Yamaha. All were good products, but not quite great. I always felt that the amps were straining just a little. Please note that I am running 2 sets of KEF Reference speakers that are 4 ohm speakers. They are efficient 93db, but create significant load on an amp. All of the AVRs I have owned all ran a bit hot because of this.

I had always desired to upgrade to separates and the chance came along as Emotiva was running a secret warehouse sale and I purchased an XPA-3. The product arrive rapidly and well packaged. It is extremely heavy. The first thing I noticed was this amp DOES NOT get hot in the least. After hours of loud music it is still room temperature.

For the first few months I put it through its paces as I generally like to listen to music fairly loud. I reserved final judgement as I knew the amp would required some time to get worn in. I am at the point now where it is really hitting a sweet spot in terms of sound. The amp has more than enough power and does not strain in the least. The sound is very neutral and uncolored (Important with the KEFs as they are unforgiving). At this point I have full confidence in saying that the XPA-3 is a top notch amp that would satisfy 99.9% of audio enthusiasts. And considering the inexpensive price point, this is a no-brainer, order one today and see how great a unit this is.

I purchased thia amp because my speakers were to much for even a super recevier like the onkyo TX-NR5009 THIS AMP IS WONDERFUL!!!!! very low bass extension and smooth mids, with high that just soar. The folks at Emotiva are very helpful they are even honest to a fault. When I asked about the XPR Line the sales advisor explained that the less expensive XPA-3 would be more then enough for what I wanted to do.

I don't write many reviews online, but I felt compelled to write about the Emotiva XPA-3. I was previously using an Anthem PVA5 (105wpc) and also have a have a McIntosh MC2205 (200wpc, same as the Emotiva) for comparison. I use Paradigm Studio 60v4 main speakers w/ matching center and rears (powered by my Integra DTR5.8 receiver, using it as pre-pro for fronts/center). Reason for getting the Emotiva was that the Anthem always seemed just short in the power department and the McIntosh is unfortunately too large to fit in the opening that we needed it to fit. In comparison to the Anthem the mids and highs are very similar, the Anthem might get a very, very slight nod in silkiness but the Emotiva is better in dynamics and much better in the bass impact. I was definately not expecting the increase in bass performance. I no longer feel the need to have my sub on when listening to 2 channel stereo (my most common setting for music listening). The bass is so dynamic and deep. I've had a few dedicated amplifiers now and have never had this much bass presence before. Compared to the McIntosh the Emotiva has similar dynamic impact and even a bit better bass resonse. The McIntosh tops the Emotiva with a super smooth and silky midrange that make female vocals drip from the speakers...it's wonderful. Unfortunately the McIntosh has to go. Compared to the Anthem however I am very pleased with the sound of the Emotiva. Now that I am not doing the direct comparisons to the McIntosh I will have to say I could be very happy with the Emotiva for a long time. It is built like a tank, has gobs of power for my big room, very clear tone, soundstage and depth are respectable, and it has amazing dynamics and bass impact. Overall Emotiva is a great value whether the product cost $599 or triple that. It is not the end all in amplifiers as my comparison to the McIntosh showed. But it is definately an amplifier you can be very happy with. And I might add that the customer service was wonderful when I was deciding which unit to buy. They did not knock the competition, they said the Anthem and McIntosh were excellent amplifiers also. They asked me a lot of questions regarding my system to make sure I would be completely satisfied with the purchase...and I am!

Besides a home theater, I've been piecing together a dedicated 2 channel system for music only. I started out with leftovers from my theater; older bookshelf speakers, Panasonic s97 for cds and I bought a Onkyo 504 and a turntable.

I upgraded over time, buying an Anthem TLP-1 pre amp to go with an Adcom 5300 amp. Sounded much better. But then I happened across a used pair of Paradigm Sig 6v2, and needed an amp to do justice. Enter the XPA-3.

First off, I am somewhat unhappy with the room. Laminate, which makes for a very lively sound, and an L shaped room which further compromises the listening area. Anyway, the amp came quickly and service from Emotiva was quite good. over time i've gotten a good feel for the amp and can assure you I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.

The build quality is really excellent. I've inspected the inside of my Denon 3803, Onkyo 876, Adcom 5300 and it's easy to see the quality in design throughout the XPA-3. The components compare (glass epoxy, capacitors and torroidal transformer) with the Adcom and of course blow the doors off the receivers. The Adcom is 80 watts x 2 and is made in China. The Emotiva is also made in China and is 200 x 3. Also, it was $300 less!

The sound is very neutral and open, no harshness or strain that I've been able to notice, somewhat like the Adcom sound wise but with over 2 times the power which equals more headroom for demanding passages. The amp just disappears and you are left with the music as a big soundstage presents itself. I am amazed that a company can deliver such quality at such a low price.

To cover the rest, it has a on/off main switch on the back, with switches for each channel to select between RCA/Balanced inputs, and a switch to turn off some LED displays on the front. Also, it accepts a 12v trigger input which allows you to just turn on the pre amp and the amp turns on automatically. Oh, and it's HUGE. And very heavy. I think around 60 pounds, so your rack or cabinet better be strong!

I've not been able to get it heated up yet, always cool to the touch, so it will do much better in confined spaces, something I wish my Onkyos could do! My only quibble is that the front looks a little plain, with 3 LED lights, but at this price it's hardly an issue. Shortly after I purchased it, Emotiva released the UPA-1, a mono-block at 200 watts. Had I known it was coming I may have considered it, as 3 channels is one more than I need. I rotate the channels to compensate for this. Their two channel amp, the XPA-2, was $200 more than this or I would have considered that as well. Their UPA-2, at 125 x2 wasn't enough of an upgrade over my Adcom in power.

Anyway, I'll go back for more, they are adding to their line up regularly. They have a 30 day try-out policy and a 5 yr warranty that's better than many. All in all a good experience